Urban Planner I

Snell & Wilmer Business Professional Openings • Salt Lake City, UT

2d

About The Position

Snell & Wilmer, one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the Western United States, currently has an opening for an Urban Planner I in our Salt Lake City office . You will support land use and planning entitlement projects by assisting with due diligence, preparing applications, coordinating with stakeholders, and helping move projects through the municipal approval process. Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: With supervision, manage current planning and land use entitlement projects from initial site evaluation through final approvals and permitting, including rezoning, site plan approval, variances, use permits, annexations, general plan amendments, design review, and related applications. Conduct comprehensive property due diligence, including research and analysis of zoning, land use entitlements, development standards, and applicable municipal records. Prepare, submit, and coordinate land use and development applications, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with local planning, zoning, and design regulations. Analyze plans (building, landscaping, engineering, etc.) to determine compliance with applicable codes. Review title reports, deeds, surveys and plot legal descriptions to determine property boundaries and history. Facilitate entitlement efforts, coordinating with clients, attorneys, design consultants, public agencies, and other stakeholders to maintain schedules, track deliverables, and achieve timely approvals. Provide technical guidance and regulatory interpretation to clients and consultant teams regarding planning, zoning, and development requirements. Coordinate and participate in public engagement processes, including public notification, neighborhood meetings, and public hearings; prepare presentation materials and represent projects at meetings and hearings, which may occur during evening hours. Interface regularly with municipal planning staff and other public sector representatives throughout the entitlement and approval process. Maintain organized digital and physical project records and ensure documentation is consistent with firm and regulatory requirements. Assist attorneys and senior staff with planning and entitlement strategy, issue analysis, and related land use matters as needed. Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Sustainability, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Two (2) or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in urban planning, land use entitlement processing, real estate development, planning consulting, law, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of urban planning principles, land use regulations, zoning and subdivision ordinances, and development review processes.
• Experience preparing and processing development and entitlement applications, including rezonings, site plans, variances, use permits, or similar approvals.
• Working knowledge of development fundamentals and project management, including coordinating consultants, tracking schedules, and managing multiple assignments concurrently.
• Ability to interpret local planning and zoning regulations and effectively translate regulatory requirements and client objectives into practical, compliant solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, attorneys, municipal staff, residents, and design consultants.
• Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while exercising sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public sector officials and development professionals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and ability to travel locally as required for meetings and site visits.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate coursework in planning or a related field and/or AICP certification (or progress toward certification) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage current planning and land use entitlement projects from initial site evaluation through final approvals and permitting, including rezoning, site plan approval, variances, use permits, annexations, general plan amendments, design review, and related applications.
• Conduct comprehensive property due diligence, including research and analysis of zoning, land use entitlements, development standards, and applicable municipal records.
• Prepare, submit, and coordinate land use and development applications, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with local planning, zoning, and design regulations.
• Analyze plans (building, landscaping, engineering, etc.) to determine compliance with applicable codes.
• Review title reports, deeds, surveys and plot legal descriptions to determine property boundaries and history.
• Facilitate entitlement efforts, coordinating with clients, attorneys, design consultants, public agencies, and other stakeholders to maintain schedules, track deliverables, and achieve timely approvals.
• Provide technical guidance and regulatory interpretation to clients and consultant teams regarding planning, zoning, and development requirements.
• Coordinate and participate in public engagement processes, including public notification, neighborhood meetings, and public hearings; prepare presentation materials and represent projects at meetings and hearings, which may occur during evening hours.
• Interface regularly with municipal planning staff and other public sector representatives throughout the entitlement and approval process.
• Maintain organized digital and physical project records and ensure documentation is consistent with firm and regulatory requirements.
• Assist attorneys and senior staff with planning and entitlement strategy, issue analysis, and related land use matters as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Benefits

• Snell & Wilmer offers a competitive performance-based compensation and a generous benefits package starting on your first day.
• The benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401K/profit sharing, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement and paid time off including vacation time, personal time, and sick time where appropriate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level